- Bicentenary of Revati Baldevji–Harikrishna Maharaj Consecration Turns Jetalpur into a Spiritual Epicentre
- Mohan Bhagwat: “RSS at 100, Swaminarayan Sampradaya at 200 — Seniors Inspire Juniors”
- Governor Devvrat Highlights Natural Farming, Social Reform & Dharma-Driven Service
- Acharya Vrajendraprasadji Links 200 Years of Temple Legacy with Centenary of RSS
- Week-Long Bicentenary Patotsav from March 5–11, 2026 Draws Saints, Sangh Leaders & State Dignitaries
NE SPIRITUAL BUREAU
JETALPUR, AHMEDABAD, MAR 5
Jetalpur witnessed an extraordinary confluence of faith, history and national thought as the Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Jetalpur marked 200 years of the consecration (Pran Pratishtha) of Revati Baldevji and Harikrishna Maharaj — a milestone rooted in the legacy of Swaminarayan.
The Bicentenary Patotsav, being celebrated from March 5 to March 11, 2026, commemorates the historic moment when Swaminarayan personally installed the sacred idols at Jetalpur — the fifth among the nine temples he established. On the auspicious day of Fagan Vad Aatham, Vikram Samvat 2082 (March 11, 2026), the temple completes two centuries of uninterrupted spiritual service.
RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat receives a traditional red-carpet welcome amid devotional fervour at the Jetalpur Bicentenary celebrations. – NE photo
The celebrations are being held under the chairmanship of Pujya Bhavi Acharya 108 Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj, with the blessings and guidance of Shree NarNarayan Dev Peethadhish Pujya Acharya 1008 Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj and Mota Maharajshree Pujya Tejendraprasadji Maharaj.
Governor Devvrat: “A Matter of Great Fortune”
Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat described his presence at the bicentenary as a blessing.
He stated that it is a matter of great fortune for everyone to be present at the bicentenary celebration of the Swaminarayan Temple in Jetalpur, which was established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself.
Highlighting the broader impact of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, he noted that it contributes not only in the spiritual domain but also actively works for social welfare through various initiatives. The Governor also shared insights into his unique initiative of natural farming, explaining its positive impact on health and encouraging people to adopt it as a way forward for sustainable living.
Mohan Bhagwat’s Message: Unity Over Division
In a speech marked by candour and reflection, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat struck a warm and philosophical tone.
In a light-hearted remark, he said that meeting seniors brings joy to juniors, and he felt similar happiness because while the RSS has been working for 100 years, the Swaminarayan Sampradaya has been carrying out similar work for 200 years.
Emphasising social harmony, he stated that religion unites people rather than dividing them and that society must continue to strengthen unity and harmony. He added that all human beings are created by God, and discrimination based on caste or status should not exist. According to him, systems created in society were meant for organization, not discrimination.
Referring to India’s growing global stature, Bhagwat asserted that in the present global scenario, India will inevitably have to show direction to the world, and society must prepare itself to undertake this responsibility.
He also appreciated the remarkable work done in Gujarat in the fields of de-addiction and social service, attributing much of this progress to the influence of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya over the past two centuries.
A Convergence of Centenaries
Delivering the welcome address, Pujya Bhavi Acharya Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj described the occasion as historically significant, noting that while the Swaminarayan Sampradaya marks 200 years of the consecration at Jetalpur, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is also completing 100 years.
He emphasized that both institutions have continuously worked towards spreading awareness about Hindutva and uniting the Hindu community. He called upon devotees and saints to work together to strengthen Sanatan Dharma and ensure its secure future.
Expressing gratitude, Acharya Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj observed that while there are the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and the Sangh Parivar, the objective of both is ultimately the same. He noted that the vision of Akhand Bharat is not merely a dream but a reality rooted in cultural unity.
He further remarked that the respect Indians receive abroad today is the result of decades of dedication, sacrifice and efforts to spread awareness and unity. Under the leadership of Mohan Bhagwat, the Sangh Parivar has carried forward this work, and its impact is now visible globally.
Dignitaries in attendance
The event was attended by RSS Regional Pracharak Chintanbhai Parikh, Regional Pracharak Rameshbhai Bapa, Gujarat Energy Minister Rishikesh Patel, MLA Babubhai Jamnadas Patel, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Pradipsinh Jadeja and several other spiritual leaders and public representatives.
As devotional hymns echoed across the temple complex and thousands of devotees gathered in reverence, Jetalpur’s bicentenary celebration emerged not merely as a commemorative ritual, but as a reaffirmation of faith, unity and service — values that have sustained the Swaminarayan Sampradaya for two centuries.
